I'm not shooting this down because I think the decision was pragmatic. Serious players with RL issues are the target here. From the standpoint of a player in the sub-tier, it won't change how we play.
I'm seeing more concern from the competent war tier, and that should be the focus for problem solving. If I were to guess, it's that the majority of the rather serious war tier are tipping on the edge of a casual core with a few serious players in leadership. The reason it's a slippery slope here is because dedicated populace in this arena varies dramatically. Thus, a comparable war kingdom that has a higher number of sitter willing players can operate in micro much more effectively.
By contrast, in my arena, I'm pressed just to find an active to ask if I can sit for them. Totally different dynamic.
Edit: top tier already likes this change for good reason.